Design and Experiment-Based Optimization of High-Flow Hydraulic One-Way Valves

High-flow hydraulic one-way valves in water pipes are typically used to mitigate conditions, which would otherwise cause vibration and cavitation erosion after long-term operation. To prevent cavitation and enhance the performance of hydraulic one-way valves, in the present work a dedicated experimental study has been conducted. The structural parameters relating to the pilot valve core, the main valve core, and the through-flow section of the considered flow channel have been changed to analyse reverse impact, and cavitation, characteristics. The results show that the control pressure has a weak effect on the cavitation characteristics, while changes in the structural parameters can significantly affect them. In particular, the cavitation index, representing the extent of cavitation, has been found to display a linear correlation with the inlet pressure, but, not with the inlet flow rate. Most importantly, a stepped throttling structure can reduce the pressure oscillation, improve the response speed, enhance the impact characteristics, and decrease the likelihood and severity of cavitation. The larger the flow passage area, the shorter the unloading time. Cavitation mainly occurs when the pilot valve core is fully opened. The stepped main valve core throttling structure has been found to be an optimal option.